For Year 12 students at YCIS Shanghai, the rigorous and holistic International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) has just begun. To introduce the students to the benefits, experiences, and new challenges they will have in the two-year programme that helps them prepare for university and beyond, YCIS organises an annual “Year 12 Retreat” at the start of the school year. Recently, all Year 12 students from the Gubei Campus attended the two-and-a-half-day conference, held at a resort on Sun Island, located just outside Shanghai.

The retreat provided the students with an introduction to the expectations and fundamental requirements for the IB programme, and the peaceful setting of the Sun Island location allowed the students to focus as they absorbed a great wealth of information. In particular, students were given an overview of the unique aspects of the programme, including the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, the Learner Profile attributes, and the Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) component from their experienced teachers and curriculum co-ordinator.

Throughout the retreat, the students also participated in a variety of fun events and activities in order to bond with peers and utilise their teamwork skills. Just some of the recreational events that students enjoyed included swimming, volleyball, golf, and go-karting. The students also had the opportunity to connect many of their activities back to the IB programme, such as by creating their own skits based on the IB Learner Profile. These activities allowed students to collaborate with their teachers and classmates so they could truly understand the foundation and importance of the IB programme, all while having fun.

One Year 12 student, Zakea, reflected on this year’s trip. He said, “For anyone going into IB, the Sun Island trip is definitely something to look forward to, and it is a great way to be introduced to the two-year IB programme, as well as an amazing way to start the year with a positive and happy vibe.”

To find out more information about the IB programme at YCIS Shanghai, click here.